Richard Luscombe ARGYLE Community Trust are celebrating after being awarded a £4,500 Grow the Game grant, something that has attracted praise from England Manager Gareth Southgate.
The grant, which will provide a boost to grassroots football in Plymouth, has paved the way for Argyle to establish a Deaf football team as part of our Ability Counts programme.
England Men’s Senior Manager and Football Foundation Ambassador, Gareth Southgate, said: “I am so pleased that Plymouth Argyle has secured this Grow the Game grant. The club has worked very hard with Devon FA and the Football Foundation to get more local people playing football so that they can enjoy the many physical and mental benefits that come with playing regular sport.
“Grow the Game is mainly funded by The FA and delivered by the Football Foundation. This is money that is flowing from the very top of the game down to the lowest levels, to help clubs at the grassroots to bear the cost of starting up a new team, whether it be for a new kit, pitch hire or sending volunteers on FA accredited coaching courses.”
Grow the Game is a £2.5m programme funded by The FA and the Football Foundation. It awards grants to grassroots football clubs that wish to create new teams, especially amongst under-represented groups.
£1,500 is available to help FA-affiliated clubs with the cost of creating a new team, which might include the cost FA coaching courses; FA league affiliation costs; referees’ fees; first aid kits; and even football kit & equipment.
Josh Grant, Health and Disability Officer with Argyle Community Trust, said: “Grow the Game is making a real difference on the ground, providing access for people in Plymouth and the surrounding areas to enjoy the beautiful game.
“We are very proud of our long-running relationship with the Football Foundation and their contribution to improving football opportunities for the people we work with on a daily basis.”
